The idea that national governments, rather than churches, charities or extended families, might have to concern themselves with helping the old and the disabled is relatively new in history.

CNN: A Debt-Threatened Dream

But since the local-food movement looks suspiciously like old-fashioned protectionism masquerading as concern for the environment, helping poor countries is presumably not the point.

ECONOMIST: Ethical food

But if our concern is with saving lives and helping the planet's most vulnerable populations, then we need to focus first on how we can build more resilient, adaptable communities.

WSJ: Bj?rn Lomborg: Global Warming and Adaptability